Circuit interrupter



June 20, 1944. J. M. WALLACE CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER Filed Jan. 16, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet l l z f 'WlTNESSESz 55mm.

r ATTORN mil @D7-MW Patented June 20, i944 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER Application January 16, 1941, Serial No. 374,684

(Cl. 20o-89) 39 Claims.

This invention relates generally to circuit interrupters, and more specifically to circuit breaker constructions.

Although this invention will be herein specifivtively compact in form yet eiilcient in operationY and economical to manufacture.

These and other objects of the invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the cally disclosed in connection with one form of following detailed description of a preferred automatic reclosing liquid breaker, wherein it embodiment thereof taken in connection with the has certain specific novel cooperation providing attached drawings, in which:

new and useful results, it will be apparent that Figure 1 is a substantially central sectional the invention is also useful in other types of cirl view of a circuit interrupter embodying this incuit breakers. vention.

In circuit breakers of the automatic reclosing Fig. 2 is a partial elevational view of the intertype, it is highly desirable to provide for a dep rupter operating mechanism with the casing renite time delay between the automatic opening moved. and reclosing of the breaker contacts. In the past Fig. 3 is a partial elevational view of the oppo some current responsive means has generally been l5 site side of the mechanism shown in Fig. 2, with employed to automatically separate the breaker one of the supports therefor removed. contacts, and complete separation of the contacts Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 1, but illustrating could be accomplished by fluid pressure generated the interrupter at an initial stage in a circuit by the arc. Obviously, in such breakers the interrupting operation, and amount of separation of the contacts may vary Fig. 5 is also a. view like Fig. 1 but showing with the current interrupted, and where the rethe interruptor at a succeeding stage in the interclosing time is dependent upon the contact separupting operation. ration, this will vary, and may at low current Referring to the drawings wherein there is ilvalues, produce an objectionable fluttering of the lustrated a preferred form of the invention in the contacts. form of a circuit breaker contained in an insulat- Accordingly one object of this invention is to ing tubularl casing 2, which may be of any deprovide a novel circuit breaker of the type desired insulating material such as porcelain, glass scribed which will have a substantially constant or the like. The casing 2 has a closed bottom and time delay period between the automaticopenlng an open top. The open top is provided with an and reclosure of its contacts irrespective of the 3o upper terminal cover assembly 4, and the closed current interrupted. bottom of the casing is provided with a lower Another object of this invention is to provide terminal assembly 6, and an intermediate porin a circuit breaker of the type described, an artion of the casing has a substantially cylindrical rangement of parts whereby the means for dewall portion 8 upon which is mounted a cushionlaying automatic reclosure of the breaker coning sleeve Ill of rubber, liber or the like, and a tacts is conditioned substantially entirely by the supporting bracket I2 is adapted t0 ybe secured electroresponsive means for separating the conthereto for supporting the breaker in operative tacts, but before separation thereof. position.

Another object of this invention is to provide The lower terminal assembly 6 is mounted at in a circuit breaker of the type described, novel the closed bottom portion of insulating casing 2 arc extinguishing means operable to aid in exby means of a bolt I8, extending through an apertinguishing the arc drawn following predeterture I9 in the closed end of casing 2, and the bolt mined contact separation. is provided with a large disk-like head portion 2U Another object of this invention is to provide positioned within the casing 2, with packing inanovel fluid directing means for a circuit interterial 22 interposed between the head 20 and the rupter which is adapted to open the circuit in an adjacent inner surface of the insulating casing 2. insulating fluid. The bolt I8 and head 20 may be of any desired Another object of this invention is to provide conducting material such, for example, as copper in a circuit breaker of the type described, novel or a copper alloy such as brass, and the packing time delay means for controlling a circuit reclosmaterial 22 is preferably a material which is reing operation, and which is operative in response sistant to oil, such, for example, as cork, ber to a predetermined number of successive circuit or synthetic rubber. Bolt IB has a bore I4 thereinterrupting operations to lock the contacts open. through, the outer end of which is closed by a Another object of this invention is to provide threaded plug I6 for the purpose of draining casa novel circuit breaker construction which is relaing 2 when desired. The bolt I8 is secured in position by a nut 24 drawn up on the bolt against a washer 26 positioned between the nut 24 and the outer wall of the casing 2. A terminal strap 28 may be also secured to the bolt i8, as by means of a second nut 30 as shown.

The upper terminal assembly 4 is in the form of a cover for the open end of casing 2, which not only acts as a cap or cover for the casing, but, as will be hereinafter more fully explained, also acts as a support for the circuit interrupter proper and its operating mechanism, when in operative position within the casing 2, with the cover secured over the open end thereof. It will be observed that the cover 32 is provided with a transversely extending relatively hollow portion for the reception of certain parts of the circuit breaker operating mechanism, and the top wall of which is provided with a threaded aperture for the reception of a correspondingly threaded filler plug 34 so that the supply of arc extinguishing fluid within casing 2 may be renewed when necessary. Cover 32 includes a peripheral flange portion 36 adapted to seat on the upper end walls of casing 2, and this flange has at its outer edge a downwardly turned lip portion 38, to aid in properly positioning the cover on casing 2. Packing material 40 is interposed between the cover and casing 2, and this material is preferably of a composition like the packing material 22. Cover 32 is secured to the casing by means of a support 42 fixedly mounted on the outside of casing 2. The support 42 is in the form of an annular ring which is substantially channel-shaped in crosssection with the channel facing the outer surface of casing 2. The annular support 42 is secured to casing 2 by cast metal or the like 44 which is poured in between support 42and the outer casing wall so as to enter within the'channel of support 42, and between corrugations 46 provided ony the outer surface of the casing to securely anchor the support 42 thereto. Cover 32 is preferably secured to the support 42 by bolts extending through a plurality of spaced ears (not shown) integral with cover 32 and support 42.

The insulating casing 2 may be of any desired shape and cross-section, preferably circular as shown, so that the hollow portion of cover 32 previously described, extends substantially diametrically of the casing. and so that segmental portions of cover flange 36 extend inwardly over the open end of the casing as shown at 54. Secured to these segmental portions 54 of cover flange 36, are spaced supporting plates E having angularly bent ends 52, insulatingiy secured to the segments 54 of cover flange 36, as, for example, by machine screws 50, or the like. To insulate supporting plates 56 from the cover, in-n sulating washers 58 are preferably interposed. between the screws, supporting plates and cover, and the screws themselves may be provided with insulating bushings. The insulating washers 58 and bushings may be of any desired insulating material such as fiber or a synthetic resin material. As shown, the supporting plates 5B extend substantially parallelly downwardly in tubular insulating casing 2, and the lower ends thereof are secured to and maintained in spaced relation by a spacer block 59, for example, `by screws 60.

A solenoid coil supporting plate 62 is secured to the supporting block 59 in any desired manner, for example, as by welding or the like, for cooperation with a spaced supporting plate 64 to support therebetween a solenoid coil 66. The supporting plates 62 and 64 are preferably sesolenoid coil 66 by spaced through bolts 68 (Figs. 2 and 3) passing through ears formed integral with the supporting plates. The through bolts 68 may have spacing sleeves 10 provided thereon intermediate plates B2 and 64, to prevent drawing up the bolts too tightly on the solenoid coil. Circuit interrupting means 12 is preferably se cured to the lower supporting plate 64 as shown on the drawings, and this interrupting means includes an interrupting chamber formed by a tube 14 of insulation material such, for example, as fiber or the like, and having an upper end tubular fitting 16 threadedly engaged with the upper end of the tube. The upper tubular fitting 16 is provided with a reduced intermediate portion, and an outwardly flared supporting portion 18 adapted to engage and be secured to lower solenoid coil supporting plate 64, for example, as by welding or the like. As shown, the tubular fitting 16 is provided with a pluralityof circumferentially spaced outlet passages 80 for connecting the in terior insulating tube 14 with the interior of casing at a point adjacent the reduced section of tubular fitting 18. These outlet passages 80 are controlled by a disk valve member 82, posi tioned at the inner ends of the passages 80 in a manner to be hereinafter more fully described.

Interrupter casing 14 is provided at the outer or lower end thereof with an end cap structure 84 threadedly engaged with the lower end of the tube. The lower cap structure 84 is provided adjacent the threaded portion thereof with a shoulder 8S for clamping against the adjacent end of insulating tube 14, an annular stop ring 88 for limiting movement of a liquid director ||4. The bottom wall of cap 84 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced inlet passages 90 controlled by a check valve plate 92, so that liquid may be admitted from casing 2 into insulating tube 14, whenever the pressure in the casing excured in spaced relation against the ends Of ceeds that within insulating tube 14. The outer end of the end cap 84 is somewhat reduced in section to provide a shoulder 96, on which is seated one end of a coil compression spring 84 the other end of which bears against head 20 of terminal bolt I8. Spring 94 is preferably of a resilient conducting material. The end wall of interrupter chamber end cap 84, is provided with a substantially central threaded aperture to receive a threaded fixed contact member 98, which may be locked in an adjusted position, for example, as by a lock nut |00.

The movable contact structure provided in interrupter casing 12, includes a relatively short contact rod |02 having an enlarged contact portion |04 tapered at the outer end thereof for engagement with fixed contact 9B. The short contact rod |02 is threaded into a correspondingly threaded bore in a contact supporting .rod |05 of relatively large diameter, slidably mounted in a substantially central bore |08, provided in the tubular fitting 16 for the upper end of interrupter casing 12. The lower end of contact supporting rod |06 is provided with a countersunk bore ||0 for the reception of one end of a coil compression spring |2, which is adapted to seat on the liquid director ||4.

The liquid director 4, as shown, is substantially cylindrical in form with a hollow central portion, provided with an enlarged outlet passage H6 concentric with the enlarged portion |04 of contact rod |02. From the outlet passage ||B the interior of liquid director I4 flares outwardly as at ila, to communicate adjacent the perphery thereof with a plurality of spaced inlet passages |20, which are positioned on the upper end wall of the liquid director tobe unobstructed by the enlarged supporting rod |06. The upper wall of the liquid director is also provided with a substantially central aperture closely, slidably fitting on contact rod |02, to provide for a lost motion between the liquid director and contact rod.

As previously stated, a valve plate 82 is provided at the upper end of the interrupter chamber for controlling outlet passages 80. This valve plate 82 is preferably provided with an integral, angular flange |22 forming with the valve plate an annular groove chamber for the reception of packing material |24, to frictionally relate the valve plate to contact supporting rod |06. The upper end of insulating tube 14 of the interrupting chamber is preferably notched at |26, so that the valve plate 82 cannot operate to close the upper end of insulating tube 14, when in a lower position.v

In the operation of the parts thus far described, and referring to Fig. 1 of the drawings, it

Will b'e seen that because of the lost motion connection between liquid director H4 and contact rod |02, that in the closed position of contacts |04 and 98,' spring ||2 will be compressed and the liquid director |-|4 Will be maintained against stop ring |38,r with the outlet passage H6 thereof positioned substantially above the outer end of contact rod |02. Now," upon separation of contacts 98 and |04, that is, assuming contact |04 to be moved upwardly in the interrupting chamber, it is apparent that the contacts will separatep and contact rod |02 will move a distance corresponding to the distance between the upper wallvof the liquid director and shoulder |03, on the contact rod, without causing any movement of, the liquid director. As soon as the contacts separate, an arc will be drawn and the fluid pressure generated by the arc due to decomposition of the arc extinguishing fluid, will cause check valve plate 92 to be seated on and close inlet passages 90 leading to the interrupter chamber. and furthermore upward movement of rod |06 will carry valve plate 82 upwardly and close off the outlet passages 80. A s soon, therefore, as the contacts separate and 'a ,pressure is built up in the interrupter casing 12 the casing automatically seals itself so that the pressure is then operative to aid in separating the contacts bv exerting a force on the contact supporting rod 06, to move it and the contact |04 outwardly relative to the interrupter chamber in a pistonlike manner. attempt is made to move the liquid director to force streams of arc extinguishing liquid into the arc path, until an arc of predetermined length has been established. As soon as shoulder |03 on the contact rod engages the upper end wall of the liquid director H4, the liquid director is moved with the contact rod to cause a flow of liquid into the inlet passages |20 thereof, and converging to outlet passage H6, which, because of the lost motion described above, between the liquid director and contact, will now be positioned adjacent the tapered end portion of the enlarged end |04 of the contact rod to direct the liquid at an angle through the arc path as shown in Fig. 5. It should be noted that the liquid director 4 closely slidably ts insulatingr tube 14 of the interrupting chamber, and is even provided with a piston ring |`l fitting into a slot formed in the outer surface of the liquid director. so that when the director is moved upwardly all It should also be noted that no of the liquid displaced above the director is forced into and through the arc path. This construction of liquid director forms a particularly enicient method of directing displaced liquid into and through the arc path, and the lost motion connection with respect to the moving contact provides a structure where it is unnecessary to perform any Work in circulating liquid through the arc until an arc of optimum length has been established.

As soon as the contacts have separated sufciently to extinguish the arc formed, the contacts may be reclosed. As soon as contact supporting rod |06 starts its inward movement with respect to interrupter chamber 12, it carries-valve plate 82 inwardly because of the frictional connection |24 therebetween, to open outlet passages 80 and permit any gases to exhaust fr om the upper end of the interrupter chamber. This exhaust of gases is aided by flow of fresh liquid from casing 2 under the force of gravity to unseat check valve 92 and flow into inlet passages 90, to provide a supply of clean, fresh arc extinguishing liquid at the point where it is most needed, that is, Where the contacts actually separate. Continued movement of the contact into interrupting chamber l2, first causes engagement of liquid director |'|4 with stop ring 88, after which spring ||2 is compressed until contact portion |04 engages with the fixed contact 98.

The movable contact supporting rod 06 is adapted to be actuated by the elongated contact rod |28 of relatively small diameter, which is secured to rod |06 by having the lower end thereof threaded into a bore in the upper end of contact supporting rod |06. Elongated contact rod |28 extends upwardly through the center of solenoid coil 66 to a position adjacent cover 32, and has secured to the upper end thereof, in any desired manner, an inverted cup-shaped spring supporting structure |30. The spring supporting structure |30 may be secured to elongated rod 28, for example, as by a transverse guide pin |32 extending through the cup-shaped support |30, and rigidly secured to the upper end of the rod |28, for example, as by Welding or the like. Transverse guide pin |32 is preferably of sufficient'extent sothat the opposite ends thereof may be received in guide slots |34 provided in the supporting plates 56. 'I'his is for the purpose of guiding the upper end of contact rod |28 in its movement, and for defining the limits of this movement and preventing rotation of the rod. Adjacent contact supporting rod |06, a solenoid core member |36, of any desired magnetic material, such for example as soft iron or the like, is slidably mounted on elongated rod |28, and has the upper end thereof provided with a threaded bore for securement to the threaded lower end of a connecting sleeve |38, also slidably mounted on connecting rod |28, and supports a cunshaped spring support |40 complementary with respect to inverted cup-shaped support |30 on the upper end of contact rod |28. A coil compression spring |42 is adapted to have the opposits ends thereof seated in cup-shaped supports |30 and |40, respectively.

From the foregoing structure it `can be seen that there is provided a lost motion connection between solenoid core |36 and the ermfacf rod l28. and consequently movable contact |04. This connection is normally biased to one extremity of the relative movement, by the coil compression spring |42. There is secured to cup-shaped spring support |40 an angled guide bracket |44, oneleg of which extends into the guide slot |34 in one of the supporting plates 56, to prevent rotation of this spring support for a purpose which will become apparent.

The upper end of elongated contact rod |28, is coupled to a biasing and manually operable means, by a link |46 of insulating material, such as fiber or the like, pivotally mounted at one end on transverse guide pin |32, and pivotally mounted at the other end thereof to the outer end of a crank |48, for example, as by a pivot pin |48. Actuating crank |48 is supported on a shaft |50, mounted transversely of the hollow portion of cover 32, with one end of the shaft extending through one wall of the hollow portion to the exterior thereof. One or more coil springs |52, are adapted to be coiled about shaft |50, with one end of each spring anchored to the cover, and the other end thereof biasing crank |48 in a direction to move the contact rod |28, and consequently contact |04, into engagement with iixed contact 98. The outer end of operating shaft |50 has secured thereto a manually operablehandle |64, provided with an angular extension |56, which may be engaged by a hook stick or the like.

The structure described above is for the purpose of automatically opening contacts |04 and 98 in response to predetermined circuit conditions, such, for example, as the occurrence of currents above the load rating of the breaker, and for thereafter automatically reclosing the contacts. Upon the occurrence of an overload in the circuit, solenoid coil 66 is operable to draw the core |36 upwardly into the coil, and the first portion of this movement is accomplished without any movement of movable contact |04, inasmuch as the contact is maintained in its closed position by coil springs |52 located in the cap, and because of the lost motion between solenoid core |36 and the movable contact. The first portion of the i movement of the 4core is used merely in compressing the spring |42 between the core and Contact rod. In other words, the core may move from the position shown in Fig. 1 to that shown in Fig. 4, wherein coilspring 42 is substantially entirely compressed without causing any movement of contact |04. Preferably, however, coil spring |42 is of such strength that prior to engagement of spring supports |30 and |40, the force exerted by spring |42 will be sufficient to overcome the bias exerted by operating springs |52 in the cover, to cause movement of contact |04 away from fixed contact 88. As soon as this occurs, an arc is formed in arc chamber 12 as previously described, and the pressure developed by the arc will aid in separating the contacts. Contact separation :is also aided by the stressed spring |42, inasmuch it will be observed that the force required to overcome the stress exerted by springs |52 will decrease as the contact rod moves upwardly, because the operating crank |48 will approach a position in which the component of the force exerted by connecting link |46 to strain coil springs |52 increases, that is, connecting link |46 and operating crank |48 approach a right angular relation. Separation of the contacts under the influence of solenoid coil 66 will be carried to the extent illustrated in Fig. 5 of the drawings. However, the

movable contact may travel a further distance as explained above, by reason of the pressure erted in interrupting chamber 12 and the stress exerted by compressed coil spring |42, and the lost motion connection between the siialenoid core and contact supporting rod.

This overtravel of the movable Contact beyond the point to which it is moved by the solenoid coil. 66, may extend to the upper end of guide slot |34 formed in supporting plates 56. It will be noted that the upper end of the central bore through solenoid coil 66 is substantially closed by a closure plug |58, having a flange |60 adapted to seat on upper supporting plate 62.' The plug |56 is of a magnetic material similar to movable core |36 and is adapted to complete the magnetic circuit through the center of coil 66 in cooperation with movable core |36. Closure plug |56 preferably is merely loosely fitted in the upper end of the bore through the coil, so that when the coil is energized suiciently to draw movable core |36 into the coil, the closure plug I 58 will be maintained in position and will attract the movable core |36 thereto. Obviously. the attraction f movable core |36 will cease when it engages closure plug |58 as shown in Fig. 5, and the contact rod may thereafter travel beyond the position shown in Fig. 5 and may even displace movable core |36 and core plug |58 upwardly, since such movement will be opposed only by the damping action of the magnetic field generated by coil 66. For a reason which will hereinafter become apparent, it is preferred that in any event the movable core |36 make o, substantially full stroke under the inileunce of the magnetomotive force exerted by coil 66 through plug core |58, that is, to the position shown in Fig. 5 of the drawings, before the circuit is interrupted.

It will be noted that the cup-shaped spring support |40 on connecting sleeve |38, which in turn is secured to movable solenoid core |36, has secured thereto an angular shaped rack support |62, for pivotally supporting at the outer end thereof as at |66, a rack |64 having teeth formed along one edge thereof for cooperation with a pinion |10. As viewed in Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawings, the teeth on rack |64 are preferably inclined downwardly, and the rack is biased into engagement with pinion |10 by a spring |66 coiled about; pivot |66, and having the respective endsl thereof engaged with the rack and rack support, so that on upward movement of the rack it will slip over the teeth of pinion |10, but on downward movement of the rack it will drivinglv engage pinion |10 to rotate the same. Pinion |10 is mounted on a shaft i12 extending across and rotatably mounted in supporting plates 56, and provided outside of one plate 56, with a gear .iill ci' larger diameter than pinion |16 also fixedly mounted on the shaft. The gear |14, as shown in Fig, 2, preferably has the teeth thereof interrupted to provide a solid portion |16 to limit rotation thereof to something less than 360 by engaging the teeth of the pinion meshing with gear |14. Shaft |12 is preferably biased for rotation in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 2, by a spring |90 coiled about the shaft, and having the opposite ends thereof anchored, respectively, on pinion |10 and adjacenti'supporm ing plate 56. Gear |14 is adapted to mesh with a pinion |18 fixed to, or fixed on the same shaft |y with a large esoapement gear |82, which in turn is adapted to cooperate with an escapement member having spaced arms |86 adapted to alternately engage the teeth of escapement gear |82, and having a central depending arm to which is secured a Weight IBB, for damping movement of the eseapement member. The escapernember is preferably pivoted to adjacent suplilgtng Dit@ 55, for example as by a pivot pin From the foregoing it is apparent that inasmuch as rack |64 is mounted on and movable with solenoid core |36, the rack will always be moved upwardly a minimum distance by the core, substantially that which the solenoid core |36 is moved under the influence of solenoid coil 66, that is, from the position shown in Fig. 1 to that shown in Fig. 5 of the drawings. This distance as previously explained is independent of movement of the contact rod, and insures engagement of rack |64 with pinion |10 of the escapement mechanism, each time thecircuit breaker opens irrespective of the current value which is interrupted and the distance travelled by the movable contact. Thus it can be seen that each time the circuit is interrupted by solenoid 66 the teeth on rack |64 are raised a predetermined distance above pinion |10, so that as soon as the circuit is interrupted, and solenoid coil 66 deenergized, operating springs |52 are free to return the contact |04 into engagement with xed contact 98. This movement, however, is delayed by engagement of rack |64 with pinion |10, which causes operation of the escapement mechanism until the end of the rack teeth is reached, whereupon springs |52 are free to quickly close contacts 98 and |04.

In a construction where the rack or other means for engagement with time delay closing mechanism, is mounted on the contact rod; at low current values it was possible that the rack or other time delay driving means might not even engage the time delay means, which would mean that the contacts would merely separate a slight amount and immediately close, causing a fluttering of the contacts and resultant burning thereof and deterioration of the arc extinguishing liquid. It is believed that it is clearly apparent from the foregoing that with the structure of this invention, wherein the rack |64 for driving the time delay means is mounted on the solenoid core, which is movable independently of the movable contact, a predetermined time delay between opening and reclosing of the contacts is positively insured, thereby clearly avoid ing the possibility of obtaining any contact flutter with the resultant disadvantages thereof.

It will be noted that gear |14 of the escapement mechanism is normally maintained by spring |90 in the position shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings, by virtue of the spring bias causing engagement of the solid toothed portion |16 of the gear with pinion |18. Now assuming that the breaker contacts are opened as previously described; after interruption occurs and the contacts reclose, it is obvious that the rack |64 will rotate gear |114 in a counterclockwise direction, and move the solid portion |16 thereof a predetermined distance away from pinion |18. This distance is preferably somewhat less than 180? for a reason which will become apparent. Now, if the overload on the circuit has cleared when the contacts have reclosed, obviously spring |90 will move gear |14 in a clockwise direction, from the position to which it was advanced by gear |14, to its normal position shown in Fig. 2. This restoration of gear |14 will occur quite slowly because of the necessity of moving its escapement gear delayed by the escapement lever, However, in the event that the overload still remains on the circuit after the first reclosure ci the contacts, they will immediately be reopened by solenoid coil 66, and before gear |14 has regained its normal position shown in Fig. 2, it will again be given an additional counterclockwise rotation by rack |64 in reclosing the contacts a second time. This will further advance the solid portion |16 of the gear, say, for example, to a position somewhat less than 360 from that shown in Fig. 2. This time the solid portion |16 will be yadvanced substantially into engagement with pinion |18. After the second reclosure of the contacts, in the event the fault has cleared, the gear |14 will be restored slowly to its normal position by spring |90. the fault has not cleared after the second reclosure, the contacts will again be immediately reopened and a third reclosure will be blocked by engagement of solid portion |16 of gear |14 with pinion |16. From the foregoing, it is apparent that upon the occurrence of a permanent fault in the circuit, the breaker constituting this invention will be operable to interrupt the circuit a predetermined number of times, after which the contacts are locked in an open position.

Furthermore, each interruption of the circuit will be followed by a minimum predetermined time delay period before the contacts are reclosed, and in the event the fault clears upon reclosure of the contacts at any time prior to the predetermined number of reclosures, the lockout mechanism will be automatically reset so that if at any subsequent time a permanent fault occurs on the circuit, the breaker will be prepared to go through the same predetermined number of reclosures prior to locking the contacts thereof in the open circuit position.

After the breaker has operated automatically in response to a permanent fault to lock the conN tacts thereof in an open circuit position, the contacts may be reclosed by a manual operation, that is, by pulling operating handle |54 downwardly to raise the smooth portion |92 of'rack |64 into engagement with pinion |10, and permit spring |90 to reset or move gear |14, in a clockwise direction, whereupon release of handle |54, will permit coil springs |52 to reclose the contacts in the manner already described.

As previously described, insulating casing 2 is adapted to be filled with an arc extinguishing liquid; such as, for example, oil up to the level indicated by the dot and dash line L. The hollow portion of cover 32 is preferably provided with a recess portion for receiving a sight glass |94 so that the oil level in the casing may be readily determined by observation, of the float rod |96, adapted to be visible through sight glass |94 when the oil is at a proper level. Float rod |96 is connected to a float member |98, which may be a sealed container or any other desired floating member. The cover is also provided with a locking member 200 pivotally mounted on the cover as at 20|, and normally adapted to be positioned as shown in Fig. 2 on a support 204 in.- tegral with the hollow cover member. When it is desired to manually lock the circuit breaker contacts in an open position, for example, as when it is desired to Work on the circuit, the operating handle |54 may be manually moved downwardly in a counterclockwise direction, and locking lever 200 may be pivoted to a position in which the free end thereof engages abutment 202, on operating lever |54, to lock it and the contacts in an open circuit position.

The electric circuit through the breaker extends from the lower terminal assembly 6 through conducting bolt I8, its enlarged head 20, coil compression spring 94 to end cap 84 of the interrupting chamber, fixed contact 98 to movable contact |04, movable contact support |06 and However, in the event elongated contact rod |28, guide pin |32 and conductor 206 to solenoid coil Gt. 'Ihe other terminal of solenoid coil 66 is connected to the breaker cover 32 by a conductor 2D8 secured to screw 50. It can thus be seen that solenoid coil 66 is in series in the circuit through the breaker, and is designed so that for currents up to the rating of the interrupter, the electromagnetic force exerted thereby is insuificient to actuate movable core |36, but on currents above this rating the core |35 will be drawn into the coil to open the contacts in the manner described above. It will also be obvious that opening the contacts and extinguishing the resultant arc within interrupter chamber 12, Will operate to deenergize solenoid coil 66 and permit springs |52 to reclose the contacts.

From the foregoing it is believed clearly apparent that there is herein disclosed a reclosing type of circuit breaker wherein a lost motion connection is provided, (l) between the current responsive contact opening means and the con tacts themselves, and (2) between the movable contact and liquid directing means. This ensures a predetermined travel of the current responsive means each time an interrupting operation occurs, and the time delay reclosing means being responsive to the travel of the current responsive means, always provides a minimum predetermined time delay in reclosing the circuit breaker contacts. The lost motion connection between the movable contact and liquid director, insures optimum extinguishment of the arc, and quick initial opening of the contacts. This structure, together with a special solenoid construction, enables overtravel of the movable contact in its circuit opening movement beyond that to which it is moved by the current responsive means, to aid in extinguishing high current arcs. There is also herein disclosed novel means for permitting a'predetermined number of closely successive reclosures of a circuit breaker upon the occurrence of a continuing fault in the circuit, after which the contacts are automatically locked in an open position, requiring a manual operation to restore the breaker to its normal operative condition. Any number ci successive reclosures less than the predetermined number cannot effect a lockout of the breaker contacts,

and the lockout mechanism is always restored, so

that in the event of a continuing fault occurring thereafter, the breaker will still operate to re close the circuit a required predetermined num ber of times automatically, prior to locking the contacts open. The circuit interrupter herein disclosed, together with all of its actuating and control mechanism, has the parts thereof assent bled and arranged in a particular unitary construction supported from the cover for a liquid casing so as to be removable from the casing as a unit with the cover. Also, the breaker may be manually locked with its contacts in open circuit position when desired, and the operating handie |54 is zvailable to serve as an indicator as to whether the breaker contacts are opened or closed.

Having described preferred embodiments of the invention in accordance with the patent statutes, it is desired that the invention be not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed herein, in.n asmuch as it will be obvious, particularly to per sons skilled in the art, that many changes and modifications may be made in this particular einm bodiment without departing from the broad spil it and scope of this invention. Accordingly, it

titi

lill

is desired that the invention be interpreted as broadly as possible and that it be limited only by the prior art.

I claim as my invention:

l. In an automatic reclosing circuit breaker, separable contacts, means biasing said contacts into engagement, current responsive means for separating said contacts while stressing said biasing means so that the latter is operative to automatically reclose said contacts when said current responsive means is not energized suiliciently to separate said contacts, a lost motion connection between said current responsive means and contacts, resilient means engaging said current responsive means and contacts so as to be stressed upon operation of said current responsive, means to separate said contacts, and said resilient means being capable oi being strained an amount greater than the amount oi lost motion between Said current responsive means and contacts.

2'. In an automatic reclosing circuit breaker, separable contacts, means biasing said contacts into engagement, current responsive means for separating said contacts While stressing said biasing means so that the latter is operative to automatically .reclose said. contacts when said current responsive means is not energized sufficiently to separate said contacts, a lost motion connection between said current responsive means and contacts, and time delay means associated with said current responsive means so as to be actuated only by said current responsive means for delay ing the action of said biasing means in moving said contacts into engagement.

3. ln an automatic reclosing circuit breaker, a normally closed arcing chamber, separable contacts in said chamber, means biasing said contacts into engagement, current responsive means iol' separating said contacts, said contacts being mounted relative to said chamber in a manner to be further separated in response to pressure generated in said chamber by an arc, and a resilient lost motion connection between said current responsive means and contacts.

4. In an automatic reclosing circuit breaker, a normally closed arcing chamber, separable contacts in .said chamber, means biasing said contacts into engagement, current responsive means for separating contacts While stressing said biasing means so that the latter is operative to automatically reclose said contacts when said current responsive means is not energized suliin ciently to separate said contacts, said contacts being mounted relative to said chamber in a manner to be further separated in response to pressure generated in said chamber by an arc, a lost motion connection between said current responsive means and contacts, and time delay means associated with said current responsive means for delaying the action of said biasing means in moving said contacts into engagement.

5. In an automatic reclosing circuit breaker, a slidably mounted contact rod having a Contact portion adjacent one end thereof, a cooperating Contact adapted to be engaged by said contact portion, means biasing said rod in a direction to cause engagement of said Contact portion and cooperating Contact to automatically reclose said contact portion and cooperating contact following a circuit interrupting operation, means ior moving said rod and Contact portion in an opposite direction. to open the circuit including a slidably mounted actuating member adapted. to have limited sliding movement relative to said rod, resilient means adapted to be stressed between said rod and member whensaid member is moved in said opposite direction, said resilient means when stressed being of suflicient strength to overcome said biasing means, and said biasing means associated with said rod in a manner such that it will exert less force as said rod moves in said opposite direction.

6. In an automatic reclosing circuit breaker, a slidably mounted contact rod having a contact portion adjacent one end thereof, a cooperating contact adapted to be engaged by said contact portion, means biasing said rod in a direction to cause engagement of said contact portion and cooperating contact to automatically reclose said contact portion and cooperating contact following a circuit interrupting operation, means for moving said rod and contact portion in an opposite direction to open the circuit including a slidably mounted actuating member adapted to have limited sliding movement relative to said rod, resilient means adapted to be stressed between said rod and member when said member is moved in said opposite direction, and said biasing means associated with said rod in a manner such that it will exert less force as said rod movesv in said opposite direction.

7. In an automatic reclosing circuit breaker` cooperating Contact means, one of which is movable into and out of engagement with respectI to the other of said contact means, resilientl means biasing said movable contact means into engagement with the other of said cooperating contact means to automatically reclose said contact portion and cooperating contact following a circuit interrupting operation, means for separating said contact means including an actuating member movable relative to said movable contact means, resilient means adapted to be stressed between said actuating member and movable contact means to open the circuit, and said second mentioned resilient means being of such strength as to overcome the resistance of said rst mentioned resilient means after it has been stressed a predetermined amount.

8. In an automatic reclosing circuit breaker, a slidably mounted contact rod having a-contact portion adjacent one end thereof, a cooperating I contact adapted to be engaged by said contact portion, means biasing said rod in a direction to cause engagement of said contact portion and cooperating contact to automatically reclose said contact portion and cooperating contact follow ing a circuit interrupting operation, means for moving said rod and contact portion in an opposite direction to open the circuit including a slidably mounted actuating member adapted to have limited sliding movement relative to said rod, resilient means adapted to be stressed between said rod and member when said member is moved in said opposite direction, and time delay means associated only with said member for delaying the action of said biasing means in moving said contact portion into engagement with said cooperating contact.

9. In a circuit breaker', separable contacts, means biasing said contacts into engagement, current responsive means for separating said contacts, a lost motion connection between said current responsive-means and contacts, time delay means associated with said current responsive means for delaying the action of said biasing means in moving said contacts into engagement, said time delay means having gear means associated therewith, and said current responsive means having a member movable therewith adapted to automatically drivingly engage said gear means at least during the lirst portion of its movement in a direction to close said contacts, and to become automatically disengaged prior to the end of said movement, said gear means including a gear having at least one wide tooth whereby said gear may be advanced a pre determined amount in one direction in response to a circuit closing operation of said contacts, means associated with said time delay means for biasing said gear for movement in an opposite direction, whereby in response to a plurality of closely successive reclosures of said contacts, said solid tooth portion will prevent rotation of said gear and maintain said contacts in an open cir cuit position.

10. In a reclosing circuit breaker, separable contacts, means for biasing said contacts into engagement, current responsive means for separating said contacts, time delay means associated with said current responsive means for delaying the action of said biasing means in moving said contacts into engagement, said time delay means having gear means associated therewith and said current responsive means having a member movable therewith adapted to automatically drivingly engage said gear means at least during the nrst portion of its movement in a direction to close said contacts and to become automatically disengaged prior to the end of said movement, said gear means including a gear having at least one wide tooth whereby said gear may be advanced a predetermined amount in one direction in response to a circuit closing operation of said contacts, means associated with said time delay means for biasing said gear for movement in an opposite direction, whereby in response to a plurality of closely successive reclosures of said contacts, said solid tooth portion will prevent rotation of said gear and maintain said contacts in an open circuit position.

11. In a circuit interrupter, a substantially closed arc chamber adapted to contain an arc eX- ting'uishing liquid, cooperating contact means in said chamber, one of said contact means including a supporting portion slidably mounted through one wall of said chamber, liquid inlet and outlet passages for said chamber, valves for controlling said passages, means biasing said movable contact means into engagement with the other of said contact means, electro-responsive means for actuating said movable contact means out of en* gagement with said other contact means, and said contact supporting portion being associated with said outlet valve to open said valve in response to movement of said portion in a direction to close 'the circuit.

12. In a circuit interrupter, a substantially closed arc chamber adapted to contain an arc extinguishing liquid, cooperating contact means in said chamber, one of said contact means including a supporting portion slidably mounted through one wall of said chamber, liquid directing means having a lost motion connection 'with respect to said movable contact means for directing a stream of liquid into the path of the arc, resilient means for biasing said directing means towards the other of said Contact means, means biasing said movable contact means into engagen ment with the other of said contact means, stop means positioned to engage said liquid director prior to engagement of said contact means during closing movement thereof, and electroresponsive means for actuating said movable contact means out of engagement with said other Contact means,

whereby upon energization oi said electroresponsive means said contacts separate and said liquid director is actuated successively with a time interval between the actuation of each.

13. In an automatic reclosing circuit inter-` rupter, a substantially closed arc chamber adapted to contain an arc extinguishing liquid, cooperating contact means in said chamber, one of said contact means including a supporting portion slidably mounted through one wall of said chamber, liquid directing means having a lost motion connection with respect to said movable contact means for directing a stream of liquid into the path of the arc, resilient means for biasing said directing means towards the other oi said contact means, means biasing said movable contact means into engagement with the other of said contact means to automatically reclose said contact means following a circuit interrupting operation, stop means positioned to engage said liquid director prior to engagement of said contact means during closing movement thereof, electroresponsive means i'or actuating said movable contact means out of engagement with said other contact means, whereby upon energization of said electroresponsive means said contacts separate, and said liquid director is actuated successively with a time interval between the actuation of each, and said movable contact biasing means being of greater strength than said liquid director biasing means so as to maintain the latter in a stressed condition when said contact means are in engagement.

14. In an automatic reclosing circuit inter rupter, a substantially closed arc chamber adapted to contain an arc extinguishing liquid, cooperatu lng contact means in said chamber, one of said contact means including a supporti-ig portion slidably mounted through one wall of said chambex', liquid directing. means having a lost motion connection with respect to said movable contact means for directing a stream of liquid into the path of the arc, said liquid directing means including an apertured piston-iike member, means for preventing the passage of liquid between the outer side of said piston and the wall of said biasing said movable contact means into engagement with the other of said Contact means, stop means positioned to engage said liquid director prior to engagement of said contact means during closing movement thereof, and electroresponsive means for actuating said movable contact means out of engagement with said other contact means, whereby upon energization of said electrorespon-m sive means said contacts separate and said liquid director is actuated successively with a time inu terval between the actuation of each.

15. In a circuit interruptor, a substantially7 closed are chamber adapted to contain an arc extinguishing liquid, cooperating contact means in said chamber, one of said contact means in cluding a supporting portion slldably mounted through one wall of said chamber, liquid inlet and outlet passages for said chamber, valves for controlling said passages, and said contact supporting portion being associated with said outlet valve to open said valve in response to movement of said portion in a direction to close 'the circuit.

16. In a circuit interrupter, an elongated sub stantially closed arc chamber adapted to contain an arc extinguishing liquid, said chamber havm ing a uniform tubular cross-sectilr CII contact means in said chamber, one of said contact means including a supporting portion slidably mounted through one end wall of said chamber, liquid directing means in the form of an apertured piston member slidably mounted in en gagement with the tubular walls of said chamber, said liquid directing means having, a lost motion connection with respect to said movable contact means for directing a stream of liquid into the path of the arc, resilient means for biasing said directing means towards the other of said contact means, whereby in a circuit interrupting operation said liquid directing means is not actuated until said contacts have separated a predetermined distance.

17. In a circuit interruptor, a substantially closed arc rchamber adapted to contain an arc extinguishing liquid, cooperating contact means in said chamber, one of said contact means including a supporting portion slidably mounted through one wall of said chamber, liquid directing means having a lost motion connection with respect to said movable contact means for direc*- ing a stream or liquid into the path of the arc, said liquid directing means including an aper tured piston-like member, means for preventing the passage of liquid between the outer side of said piston and the wall of said chamber, and resilient means for biasing said directing means towards the other of said contact means, whereby in a circuit interrupting operation said` liquid directing means is not actuated until said contacts have separated a predetermined distance.

18. In combination, a liquid container having an open ond and a closed end, a terminal on said closed end of the container, supporting memos allapted to be detachably secured to said container adjacent the open end thereof and in cluding a second terminal, said supporting means adapted to extend into said container to a point spacco from the closed end oi said container, circuit interrupting means including separable contac-ts supported adjacent the free end of said supporting means, said contacts connected to said terminals, respectively, with the connection `to said first-mentioned Iterminal comprisings yieldable conducting means, solenoid means for actuating said contacts mounted intermediate the ends of said supporting means, and mecha- Inicin mounted adjacent the other endof said supporting: means for controlling operation o! said contacts, `whereby said interrupting means, solenoid means, and mechanism are removable as a unit with said supporting means from the open end oi said container,

Iii). In a circuit interruptor, a substantially closed arc chamber, separable contacts in said chamber, electromagnetic means for separating said contacts including a movable core member and a solenoid coil, said core member operatively associated with at least one of said contacts, said solenoid coil having a bore and adapted to attract said core member into one end thereof, relatively stationary core means for said coil in cluding a loosely fitting closure for the other end of said bore, whereby said movable contacts are adapted to be separated a predetermined distance by said electromagnetic means and are tree to separate a further distance by displacement of said closure under' the iniluence of fluid pressure developed by the arc drawn,

20. In a circuit interruptor, a substantially closed arc chamber, separable contacts in said v5 chamber, electromagnetic means .lor separating said contacts including a movable core member and a solenoid coil, said core member having a resilient lost motion connection with at least one of said contacts, said solenoid coil having a bore and adapted to attract said core member into one end thereof while stressing said connection,

relatively stationary core means for said coil including a loosely fitting closure for the other end of said bore, whereby said movable contacts are adapted to be separated a predetermined distance by said electromagnetic means and are free to separate a further distance by displacement of said closure under the influence of fluid pressure developed by the arc drawn and the force exerted by said stressed connection.

21. In circuit interrupter, a closed arc chamber, con acts in said chamber at least one of which is movable into and out of engagement with the other, said movable contact being movably mounted through a wall of said chamber so that pressure developed by an arc in said chamber will act to bias said movable contact in a direction away from the other of said contacts, electro-responsive means for moving said movable contact a predetermined distance away from the other of said contacts, a lost motion connection between said electro-responsive means and movable contact, means biasing said movable contact into engagement with the other of said contacts to automatically reclose the circuit after a circuit interrupting operation, time delay means associated with said current responsive means for delaying reclosure of said contacts, and means flushing said arc chamber in response to reclosing movement of said movable contact following a circuit interrupting op-I eration.

22. In an automatic reclosing circuit interrupter, a closed arc chamber, contacts in said chamber at least one of which is movable into and out of engagement with the other, said movable contact being movably mounted through a wall of said chamber so that pressure developed by an arc in said chamber will act to bias said movable contact in a direction away from the other of said contacts, electro-responsive means for moving said movable contact a predetermined distance away from the other oi' said contacts, a iost motion connection between said electro-responsive means and movable contact, means biasing said movable contact into engagement with the other of said contacts to automatically reclose the circuit after a circuit interrupting operation, time delay means associated with said current responsive means for delaying reclosure of said contacts, and means flushing said arc chamber in response to reclosing movement of said movable contact following a circuit interrupting operation including an outlet passage for said chamber controlled in response to movement of said movable contact.

23. In an automatic reclosing circuit interrupter, a closed arc chamber, contacts in said chamber at least one of which is movable into and out of engagement with the other, said movable contact being movably mounted through a wall of said chamber so that pressure developed by an arc in said chamber will act to bias said movable contact in a direction away from the other of said contacts, electro-responsive means for moving said movable contact a predetermined distance away from the other of said contacts, a lost motion connection between said electro-responsive means and movable contact, means biasing said movable contact into engagement with the other of said contacts to automatically reclose the circuit after a circuit interrupting operation, time delay means associated with said current responsive means for delaying reclosure of said contacts, and uid directing means having a lost motion connection with said movable contact for directing a stream oi fluid into the arc, whereby said electro-responsive means is effective to separate said movable contact a predetermined distance from the other of said contacts independently of said iluid directing means to quickly initially separate said contacts prior to movement of said fluid directing means.

24. In a circuit interrupter, a closed arc chamber, contacts in said chamber at least one of which is movable into and out of engagement with the other, said movable contact being movably mounted through a wall of said chamber so that pressure developed by an arc in said chamber will act to bias said movablev contact in a direction away from the other of said contacts, electro-responsive means for moving said movable contact a predetermined distance away from the other of said contacts, a lost motion connection between said electro-responsive means and movable contact, means biasing said movable contact intoengagement with the other of said contacts to automatically reclose the circuit after a circuit interrupting operation, time delay means associated with said current responsive means for delaying reclosure of said contacts, iiuid directing means having a lost motion connection with said movable contact for directing a stream of iuid into the arc, whereby said electro-responsive means is effective to separate said movable contact a predetermined distance from the other of said contacts independently of said fluid directing means to quickly initially separate said contacts prior to movement of said fluid directing means, and means flushing said arc chamber in response to reclosing movement 1of said movable contact following a circuit interrupting operation.

25. In a circuit breaker, an arc chamber which is closed at least during a circuit interrupting operation, separable contacts mounted in said chamber in a manner to be urged apart by any pressure developed by an arc in said chamber,

electroresponsive means for separating said contacts to draw an arc and having a lost motion connection therewith, resilient means lopposing .relative movement of the parts of said lost motion connection, whereby the pressure generated by the arc in said chamber in cooperation with said resilient means will be effective to further separate said contacts independent of said electroresponsive means.

26. In a circuit breaker, an arc chamber which is closed at least during a circuit interrupting operation, separable contacts mounted in said chamber in al manner to be urged apart by any pressure developed by an arc in said charnber, electroresponsive means for separating said contacts to draw an arc and having a lost mo'- tion connection therewith, resilient means opposing relative movement of the parts of said lost motion connection, the extent of lost motion of said connection being less than the amount said resilient means is capable of being strained, whereby upon a circuit interrupting operation said electroresponsive means is actuated Ilrst and moves relative to said contacts while storing energy in said resilient means until the limit of lost motion is arrived at, then said contacts are separated and the .pressure generated by the arc in said chamber in cooperation with said resilient means will be eective to further separate said contacts independent of said .electroresponsive means.

27. In an automatic reclosing circuit interrupter, separable contacts which are separable different distances apart dependent upon the value of the current to be interrupted, means biasing said contacts into engagement, electroresponsive means having a predetermined minimum travel for at least initiating separation of said contacts While stressing said biasing means so that the latter is effective to automaticall reclose said contacts when said electroresponsive means is not energized sufiiciently to maintain said contacts separated, and means associated with said electroresponsive means for delaying reclosure of said contacts, whereby reclosure of said contacts will always be delayed a predetermined minimum time irrespective of the distance said contacts are separated on a circuit interrupting operation.

28. In an automatic reclosing circuit breaker, an arc chamber which is closed at least during a circuit interrupting operation, separable contacts mounted in said chamber in a manner to be urged apart by any 4pressure developed by an arc in said chamber, electroresponsive means for separating said contacts to draw an arc and having a lost motion connection therewith, resilient means opposing relative movement of the parts of said lost motion connection, whereby the pressure generated by the arc in said chamber in cooperation with said resilient means will be effective `to further separate said contacts independent of said electroresponsive means, means biasing said contacts closed to automatically reclose `said contacts following a circuit interrupting operation, and means associated with said electroresponsive means in response to a circuit interrupting operation for delaying reclosure of said contacts for a predetermined minimum time irrespective of the amount of contact separation.

29. In a circuit breaker, a slidably mounted contact rod. having a contact portion adjacent one end thereof, a cooperating contact adapted to be engaged by said contact portion, means biasing said rod in a direction to cause engagement of said contact portion and cooperating contact, means for moving said rod and contact portion in an opposite direction to open the circuit including an actuating sleeve member slidably mounted on said rod, spaced stop members' limiting relative sliding of said sleeveon said rod, resilient means between saidr sleeve and one of said stop members so as to be compressed upon movement of said sleeve to separate said contacts, and one of said members having a depression receiving a portion of said resilient means to prevent overstressing of the latter.

30. In a circuit interrupter, an arc chamber which is closed at least during a circuit interrupting operation, a contact in said chamber, a contact rod slidably mounted through a wall of said chamber for movement into and out of en gagement with said contadt, an actuating sleeve slidably mounted on said rod outside said cham-- ber, and means llimiting relative sliding of said sleeve androd, whereby said sleeve, is operable to initially separate said contact rod from said contact, and thereafter said contact rod is movable independently of said sleeve in response to pressure generated by the arc in said chamber. 31. In a circuit interrupter, an arc chamber which is closed at least during a irzircuit inter-- rupting operation, a contact in said chamber, a contact rod slidably mounted through a Wall oi' said chamber for movement into and out oi env gagement with said contact, an actuating sleeve generated by the arc in said chamber, and the 'tact in said".chamber, a contact rod slidably mounted through a wall of said chamber for movement into and out of engagement with said contact, an actuating sleeve slidably .mounted on said rod outside said chamber, means limiting relative sliding of said sleeve and rod, wlicreby said sleeve is operable to initially separate said contact rod from said contact, and thereafter said contact rod is movable independently of said sleeve in response to pressure generated by the arc in said chamber, means biasing said rod toward said contact to automatically reclose the circuit following a circuit interrupting operation, and means acting on said sleeve in response to a circuit interrupting operation ior delaying reclosure of said conta-cts a breitet.er--n mined minimum time, irrespective of the distance said Contact rod separates from said contact upon a circuit interrupting operation.

33. In a circuit breaker, separable contacts, means for biasing' said contacts into engagew ment, ycurrent responsive means for separating said contacts, time delay means :l'or delaying the action of said biasing means in moving contacts into engagement, said time delay ,means having gear means associated therewith and said contacts having a member movable therewith adapted to automatically drivingly engage said gear means at least during; lthe ilrst portion of its contact-closing movement and to become automatically disengaged prior to the end of said movement, said gear meaiis including a gear having at least one `iride 'tooth whereby said gear may be advanced a predetermined amount in one direction in response to a circuit closing operation of said contacts, ineens associated with said time delay means for biasing said gear for movement in an opposite direction, whereby in response to a plurality of closely successive reclosures of said contacts, said solid `tooth poi'- tion will prevent rotation of said gear and main-- tain said contacts in an open circuit position.

34. In a circuit interruptor, a liquid container, a substantially closed arc chamber in said container below the liquid level therein, separable contacts in said chamber, liquid outlet and inlet passages for said chamber, valves responsive to pressure in said chamber for closing said sages and said valves being operable after a circuit interrupting operation to open scid passages to permit fresh oil from Said container to flush said chamber.

35. In a circuit interrupter, a liquid container, a substantially closed arc chamber in said con-r tainer below the liquid level therein, separable contacts in said chamber, liquid outlet ond inlet passages for saidgchamber, said inlet passage being lpositioned at lower level in said container than said outlet passage, valves responsive to pressure in said chamber for closing said Ipassages and said valves operable after a circuit interrupting operation yto open said passages to permit fresh oil from said container to flush said chamber.

36. In a circuit interrupter, a liquid container, a substantially closed arc chamber in said container below the liquid level therein, separable contacts in said chamber, liquid outlet and inlet passages for said chamber, valves responsive to pressure in said chamber for closing said passages, s'aid inlet valve comprising a check valve,

and said outlet valve associated with one of said contacts in a manner to be opened in response to movement of said one contact toward the other to vent said chamber prior to reclosure of said contacts and permit the chamber to be flushed out.

37. In a circuit breaker, separable contacts, means biasing said contacts into engagement, current responsive means for separating said contacts, al lost motion connection between'said current responsive means and contacts, and time delay means associated only with said current responsive means for delaying the action of one o! said contact moving means in moving said contacts.

38. In a circuit interrupter, an arc chamber, separable contacts in said chamber, iluid inlet and outlet passages for said chamber, valves responsive to pressure generated by an arc struck in said chamber for closing said passages, and means causing said valves tol open said passages to permit fresh arc extinguishing fluid to fill said chamber following a circuit interrupting operation.

39. In a circuit interrupter, a substantially closed arc chamber adapted to contain an are extinguishing liquid, cooperating contact means in said chamber, one of said contact means including a supporting portion slidably mounted through one Wall of said chamber, liquid directing means having a lost motion connection with respect to said movable contact means for directing a stream of liquid into the path of the arc, said liquid directing means including anapertured piston-like member slidably mounted in engagement with the Walls of said chamber, and resilient means for biasing said directing means towards the other of said contact means, whereby in a circuit interrupting operation said liquid directing means is not actuated until said contacts have separated a predetermined distance.

JAIVIES M. WALLACE. 

